The world waits for a miracle, the heart longs for a little bit of hope,
O come, o come, Emmanuel.
A child prays for peace on earth, and she's callin’ out from a sea of hurt,
O come, O come, Emmanuel.
And can you hear the angels singing: "Glory to the light of the world...is here."

- from "Light of the World"
by Lauren Daigle, Paul Duncan and Paul Maybury

Songs of community, longing, and light this First Sunday of Advent.

The song "Light of the World" by Christian artist Lauren Daigle becomes a unifying refrain week to week as we journey through this fleeting season of Advent together. The organ offers two contemporary settings of Advent carols from centuries past: "Savior of the Nations, Come" by Kevin Hildebrand based on the 15th century German tune composed by Martin Luther, and "Christ Shall Come When Morning Dawns" by David Johnson based on an anonymous 19th century English folk tune. The Chancel Choir sings a paraphrase of the well-known Christmas story passage from Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 in "The People Who in Darkness Walked," a playful musical setting by David Music using the Swedish melody "Bereden Väg för Herran." The tune is also commonly associated with the Advent hymn "Prepare the Way, O Zion." 

We return to the "eclectic" service format this Sunday led by vocalist and guitarist Bill DeMarco, vocalist Lucas Jackson and bassist Peter Strening. Songs of service, changing seasons and gratitude this holiday weekend.

 "I Give Thanks" by singer/songwriter Kathryn Mostow expresses gratitude for those whose pure hearts demand they bring radical change and goodwill to the people of this world. "I give thanks for all these hands that take a risk, that make a stand. Oh, I give thanks for all the good deeds unseen and everyone who still dares to dream."

"I Can't Wait" by Kieran Kane speaks hopefully to a time when peace and understanding can be in our sights—or at least help along the way. "It seems we have gone too far and now we don't know where we are. I believe we'll find a guiding star, but I can't wait."

"Turn! Turn! Turn!" was composed by folk artist Pete Seeger in 1959 and became an international hit in 1965 with a cover version by The Byrds. Adapted almost entirely from the Book of Ecclesiastes, the lyrics speak to change, a time for every season, and a hopeful vision for the world.

As we gather for worship, the Plymouth Ringers strike an optimistic tone with a setting of the hymn "When Morning Gilds the Skies" by Lloyd Larson. The arrangement expands from its gentle opening character to embrace a triumphal spirit embodying the joyous text of this traditional morning hymn. As the verse three text from The New Century Hymnal expresses: "Discordant humankind, in this your concord find, may Jesus Christ be praised! Let all the earth around ring joyous with the sound: may Jesus Christ be praised!  

Kids Will Sing! offers two selections on this day of remembrance for our beloved LGBTQ community: "Building a Better World" by Ellen Allard with violinist Nate Jolly and "For All the Saints" with an original text by the ensemble. Pianist Jennifer Jolly accompanies the group.

The Chancel Choir sings "O Christ, Thou Lamb of God" in a contemporary setting reminiscent of a Renaissance motet by Carl Schalk. The text is an English translation of the 7th century Roman rite traditionally spoken or sung during the Eucharist: "O Christ, thou Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us."      

The service closes with a "Festive March" by late American composer Daniel Pinkham. Though he served as chair of the early music program at New England Conservatory of Music for many years, his music often embraced contemporary trends and explorations as is the case in this work. Mr. Pinkham lived as an openly gay man in a time when that could be particularly challenging. He was also known for wearing his trademark pink scarf.

The promise of new life, hope and divine peace guide our communal song and musical offerings this Sunday morning.

Violinist Harmony Tucker offers the joyous "Allegro risoluto" from Antonin Dvorak's "Sonatina, Op. 100" as we prepare for worship together. The congregation will be invited to join the Chancel Choir in singing the hymn-anthem "Prayer for Peace" by David Cherwien. A setting of the hymn "O Day of Peace," set to the British tune "Jerusalem," by Charles Callahan settles worship into a space of noble repose.